PHOENIX — A massive wildfire near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is continuing to grow, burning through more than 71,000 acres and edging dangerously close to the Kaibab Lodge, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, which began on July 4 due to a lightning strike, has already destroyed more than 70 structures in the area, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Now, the nearby Kaibab Lodge remains under serious threat.
“As smoke darkens the skies, our hearts ache for this cherished refuge in the pines,” the Kaibab Lodge shared in a public statement. “We hold on to hope that it can be saved.”
Fire officials said Tuesday morning that the blaze was still some distance away from the lodge, but active fire behavior and shifting conditions remain a concern.
Containment continues to drop as fire intensifies
After briefly reaching 26% containment last week, fire crews saw major setbacks over the weekend. By Monday, containment dropped to 13%, and by Tuesday morning, it had decreased again to just 9%.
The rapid spread is being driven by hot, dry conditions, gusty winds, and the area’s rugged terrain. The blaze has also created a pyrocumulus cloud — a large, heat-driven smoke column that can generate its own weather, including unpredictable winds and lightning, complicating containment efforts.
Roughly 1,000 firefighting personnel have been assigned to the incident, working to protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and cultural sites.
Officials continue to warn that more structures could be at risk if weather conditions worsen. Evacuation notices and closures remain in place across parts of northern Arizona.
